Unidentified maker

English, est. c. 1750

Commemorative wine glass, c. 1750

glass

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The engraving on this vessel has a fascinating history rooted in acts of treachery and rebellion. The Jacobites, eager to see the restoration of the Stuart kings to the throne of England, worked towards this goal over a series of three Stuart heirs, ending with Bonnie Prince Charlie (Prince Charles Edward Stuart, 1720–1788). Groups or clubs of Jacobite support had to operate in secret, as their activities were viewed as treason. Consequently, their drinking glasses—such as this example held by the WAG—alluded to their allegiance to the Stuarts covertly, through symbolism. This particular wine glass features engravings of the heraldic rose, indicating the throne of England, and an oak leaf, referring to Charles II’s refuge in an oak tree following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester.